Comprehensive network conversion on campus: Gigabit connections for everyone!

Comprehensive network conversion on campus: Gigabit connections for everyone!

On March 21, 2025, the campus of the Ruhr University Bochum is in motion. The focus is on the ID building, which is receiving a comprehensive renovation of its network infrastructure. This measure was necessary because the hardware in the ID building is the oldest on the entire campus. Comparable modernization measures have already been carried out in other buildings following the completion of the IC building. The new devices have now arrived after several years of preparation, which included the search for suitable hardware, tenders and subsequent procurement.

Installation of the new hardware is planned for April 2025. The installation will fulfill a key function, as after the renovation the ID building will be equipped with gigabit connections across the board. The conversion is expected to take eight weeks and includes the expansion of all active network components. Seven floors, each with three to four floor distributors, must be taken into account. In addition, clean rooms and laboratories must be planned and installed separately.

Technical details and advantages

The conversion of the ID building has far-reaching effects on the network infrastructure, which is essential for communication and data exchange. Networks are crucial for modern everyday life and the world of work. They enable the exchange of data and the sharing of resources that are central to office efficiency. Each workstation is equipped with a computer, but without a functioning network, collaboration on projects would be severely limited.

Around 13,000 new connections and around 250 switches will be installed, with each distributor providing up to 800 connections. These changes are intended to significantly improve the speed of uploading backups and downloading security updates. The centralized control of programs and data is also made easier by the improved infrastructure. Networks enable central storage and backup of data and thus promote effectiveness in data processing.

Impact on users

The conversion will lead to short-term restrictions in the affected areas, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The Central Use Restrictions (ZNE) will inform the affected areas in a timely manner to minimize inconvenience. Once the work is completed, the modern network architecture will be a crucial prerequisite for comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage in the ID building.

Overall, the renovation is a significant investment in the future of the Ruhr University Bochum. A stable and powerful network infrastructure not only promotes digital collaboration, but also creates the basis for innovative applications and services that will lead the university into a new era of digital learning and working. The network infrastructure includes all physical and logical components necessary for effective communication and data exchange, including the necessary cabling and routing devices that meet the requirements of a modern learning environment.